Seven Factors To Consider
3. Bathroom Safety
“The bathroom is the number one area where most household injuries occur,” Bonnie notes. She sources fixtures from top manufacturers that merge safety and style—think ADA- approved grab bars in matte black or brushed gold, paired with coordinating faucets and hardware. “Grab bars are just one piece of the puzzle,” she warns. “They must be installed by a trained professional who understands the need for precise measurements and angling so that the bars adequately prevent falls.” An incorrectly mounted bar can be worse than no bar at all. When possible, she swaps in curbless showers— like those found in luxury hotels—so there’s no lip to step over. “If you do need a mobility device or are prone to falling, you do not have to worry about navigating a curb,” she explains. “Instead, you can get in and out with ease.”
1. Space
Bonnie wishes more builders would incorporate ADA specifications from the start. “In the perfect world, I would want builders to build everything [according to ADA specifications] right from the get-go,” she says. “But they don't because it takes a little bit more space. And to them, that's money.” She calls that mindset shortsighted. “That’s why I love doing it—I know I'm helping people, and they're making the investment to remodel their home, and it's going to be right all the way till the end.”
2. Subtle Design
The best aging-in-place upgrades often disappear into the background. Wider doorways, additional clearance around plumbing fixtures, and open pathways make a home wheelchair- or walker-friendly without calling attention to themselves. “You might not notice the difference unless you are in a wheelchair, and it wasn't designed that way,” she says—at which point, mobility can suddenly feel restrictive.
4. Proper Lighting
Lighting is one of Bonnie’s most powerful design tools. As eyesight changes with age, she creates layered lighting plans to maintain clarity and reduce strain. “I put in lots of lighting and dimmers on because there are different times of the night or day that you don't want it as bright,” she says. Under-cabinet strips serve as nightlights; recessed shower lighting ensures visibility while bathing; and sconces or pendants at the vanity eliminate shadows during grooming. “The most critical area,” she says, “is the vanity where people are grooming.”
5. Organization & Decluttering
Creating a safe home often begins with removing what’s in the way. Bonnie frequently partners with professional organizers who can help clients “shed layers” efficiently and respectfully. “They can come in and get things cleared out quickly,” she says, “while working with the homeowner in a way that respects them and their feelings.”
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